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2026-27 California Dream Act Application
2026-27 California Dream Act Application
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under AB 540, SB 2000, and SB 68, to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. The CA Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.
You are eligible to complete the CADAA if you are a:
Undocumented
Have a valid or expired DACA
U Visa holders
Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540, SB 2000, SB 68
Visit https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.
CADAA filing support at:
888-224-7268
NOTE: The presentation below is a line-by-line walk through of the 2025-2026 CA Dream Act Application. A 2026-2027 presentation will be uploaded once available. (Download 2025-26 Version)
2025-26 CADAA line-by-line.pdf2025-26 Resources for Students (below)
2025-26 Resources for Students (below)
2026-2027 Resources Coming Soon!
CSAC Undocumented Students Site: csac.ca.gov/undocumented
Access Resources, FAQs, and Info About Undocumented Student Safety
CADAA (ENG) 1-Pager (A Guide to Getting Started).pdfGuide to Getting Started for Undocumented Students (Download)
CADAA FAQs (ENG) - Long Ver (4 pgs).pdfMore (Detailed) Frequently Asked Questions
(Download)
FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS & RESOURCES FOR CA UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS.pdfFinancial Aid Programs & Resources for CA Undocumented Students (Download)
You Have Choices - Mixed Status Families Informational Resource.pdfYou Have Chances: Applying for Financial Aid As a Mixed-Status Family in California (Download)
Immigrants Rising
Immigrants Rising
The AB 540 Quick Guide (available in English and Spanish) lists the attendance and degree required to qualify for in-state tuition. AB 540 is needed to be eligible for state financial aid through the CA Dream Act.
Use these CADAA & Cal Grant Checklists to track your progress in completing the application and ensure your documents are properly submitted.
Get support by reaching out to your school’s Dream Resource Center or FA office. Use this map to see where your nearest dream resource center is!
SJSU UndocuSpartan Resource Center
SJSU UndocuSpartan Resource Center
Resources for UndocuAllies: Here you will find the CSU Online Training for UndocuAllies, and relevant resources for educators working with undocumented students.
Know Your Rights: Here you will find information about student rights related to campus safety, employment, immigration, and more.
Professional Development Resources for Undocumented Students: Here you will find a number of curated resources that help students navigate professional development and paid opportunities, regardless of DACA.
FREE Legal Services at SJSU: Students, staff, faculty, and immediate families have access to free immigration services through our program. We encourage individuals to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to learn about their immigration options.
Paying For College: In this section you will find information on resources to help undocumented students make college affordable.
UndocuHealth and Wellness: This page highlights mental health resources for undocumented students available on and off campus.
2025-26 CADAA BROCHURE_English.pdf2025-36 CADAA Brochure (Download = English | Spanish | Vietnamese)
Understand the Differences - In-State Tuition and CA Dream Act (Immigrants Rising).pdfImmigrants Rising - Understand the Differences - In-State Tuition and CA Dream Act (Download)
uAspire College Cost Calculator
(uaspire.org/calculator)
Compare financial aid offers and costs of attending college.
Financial Aid Opportunities & Scholarships -
For Documented & Undocumented students:
Resources and scholarships for Undocumented and AB 540 eligible Students: Link
Dream Act Service Grant (DSIG)
Dream Act Service Grant (DSIG)
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program encourages CADAA students with a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester or up to $1,500 per quarter) to 1,667 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters or up to 12 quarters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant award.
Eligible students must apply annually, attend a qualifying institution, have sufficient unmet financial need, and complete service hours in that academic year (July 1 through June 30). Semester students shall perform service hours in 150-hour increments and quarter students shall complete service hours in 100-hour increments. Students can volunteer with any organization that meets the criteria for a qualifying service organization.
The California Student Aid Commission has strict security and confidentiality policies and procedures in place to protect the integrity and confidentiality of student records.
The California Student Aid Commission has not now, or in the past, shared any information which would indicate a student's immigration status, either documented or undocumented. The California Student Aid Commission also adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
Pursuant to section 502 of the California Penal Code and Public Law 99-474, Title 18, United States Code unauthorized access to applicant information will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
- California Student Aid Commission © 2021 - 2024
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